Band leaders report a big rebound in both locals and visitors signing up for Grand Kadooment this year and expect substantially larger numbers on the road overall compared to 2022.

President of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders, JasonThompson, the leader of the Hijack Band, also tells Starcom Network News the police have promised them strong security for Monday’s Jump.

Mr. Thompson estimates that during last year’s limited Crop Over re-start after the covid-break, Kadooment bands had roughly a quarter of their usual numbers.

But he believes there will be a significant difference this year.

Mr. Thompson saw a pickup in sales during this week in particular.

Mr. Thompson says the police service has also promised the band leaders there will be strong security for Grand Kadooment.